The Bennett family : 1628-1910

GENEALOGY COLLECTION

E. B. Bennett 1842

Picture taken 1863

THE BENNETT FAMILY1628-1910

By EDGAR B. BENNETT

EAST BERLIN, CONN.E. B. Bennett, Publish ek

1910

H

1134348PREFACE

Genealogies are proiilable, inasmuch as tliey are of great in-

terest to all descendants, and become more and more so to future

generations in tracing back their lineage.

There is a growing interest in many families in this respect,

and family pride is increasing with a desire to know more of one's

ancestors.

In this my first attempt to prepare a family genealogy, it hasbeen my aim and purpose to make it as correct, accurate andcomplete as possible.

However, in some respects the work is incomplete, owing to

the failure of a verj' few of the connections to respond to inqui-

ries for information and data.

The design of this genealogy' is lo perpetuate the memory of

our worthy ancestors, Kdward, Samuel, John, William and Cap-tain Thaddeus Bennett, and to gather in one volume the namesof their many descendants.

I acknowledge myself indebted to many of the friends in fur-

nishing information for this genealogy.

K. B. BENNETT.East Berlin, Conn., April, 1910.

THE BENNETT FAMILY

INTRODUCTION

Not until tlie year 1907, when E. B. Bennett of East Berlin,

Conn, went West to visit his brothers, whom he had not seen for

fifty years, had a Family History ever been thought of. Whenhe found how little the Bennetts in tiie West knew of their an-

cestors, he, being from Connecticut, the original home of the

Bennetts, decided to put into printed form the knowledge he

could gain of the Bennett family. Since that time no time or

money has been spared in his untiring efTorts to make this His-

tory as complete as possible.

The main records of the Smith Bennett family were found in

the old family Bible, which had been handed down and had fall-

en into the possession of the widow of Charles H. Bennett—Mrs.

Martha Conant of Garwin, Iowa.

Town Records and many Histories and Genealogies have

been searched in order to learn more of our ancestors until 1 have

found an unbroken line back to the landing of the first Bennetts

from Weymouth, England, and their settling in Weymouth,

Massachusetts, in 1628-1635.

Records of the Bennetts in England before these years have

been found, but I have thought best not to follow them at this

time.

Records of tlie Pension Department show the Bennetts to

have taken part in their Country's cause in all Wars since tlieir

landing.

THE BENNETT FAMILY

HISTORY

Bennetts of Pythouse

Fane Eennett of Stanford, Vere Esq. of Pythouse. The fam-ily of Bennetts was founded by John Bennett, who was Sheriff

of Wilts in the fifth year of Henry III. His great grandson,Thomas Bennett of Boston, married the daughter and co-heiress

of the Paê of Devizes Wilts.

Records and Genealogies of New England

Tlie early settlers made Freeman, after a residence of sevenyears according to the laws of the country at that time, EdwardBennett at Weymouth, Mass., May 25, 1636. Records say he wasParser of the ship Mary Rose, which was accidentally blown upin Boston Harbor in 1648.

I<]dmond at Weymouth, Mass., May 25, 1636.

James at Concord, Mass., March 13, 1638.

Samuel at Lynn, Mass , 1637.

Richard at Boston, Mass., 1637.

William at Salem, Mass., 1637.

John at Salem, Mass., 1637.

This shows tliey were all here at least seven years, prior to

their being made Freemen.Matthew came in the "Paul" on July 6, 1635, by way of Lon-

don, England.Thomas came in the "American" in 1635.

Jane came in tlie "Elizabeth."

Ann Cooper Master came in 1635 at the age of 16 years andbecame the wife of William of Salem, Mass., and was admitted

to the church there in 1648. Their children were Moses, Ann andDeliverance. William died on June 27, 1683.

It would be impossible for the writer to tell just how all of

this family were related, but it is claimed by historians that Sam-uel was son of Edward. But Edward's children being born in

England, it is a hard matter to get their records. The records

show, however, that Mr. Edward Bennett had a muster of his

servants on Februarj' 7, 1619, prior to sailing in 1621.

Rev. George S. Bennett of Boston, who has made a thoroughsearch of the old records, states that Samuel was the son of Ed-

THE BENNETT FAMILY 7

ward, who came from Weymouth, England, and settled in Wey-mouth, Mass., and was there made a Freeman in 1636, after seven

years' residence.

He also states that the children of Edward were Samuel,John, Priscilla, Edmond and Richard.

I find in the earlier records of 1618 that there were Thomas,Mary, Robert, Samuel, James and Katherine, the latter a widowwith a three weeks' old child named William, who sailed for

Jamestown, Va., in 1622. It is doubtful if they remained. Thisis sailing record from London.

Samuel Bennett, who was a house carpenter, came to this

country by way of London, England, in the "James," and Wil-liam Bennett of Salem, Mass., testified before a justice court

that Samuel and himself both came together in the "James" in

1630. Samuel settled in I^ynn, Mass., when he was nineteenyears old and in 1639 he settled in Chelsea, Mass., where heowned a large farm, shop, windmill, etc. His wife's name wasMary.

Children :

Samuel, Richard, Klisha and Lydia.

John of Boston, son of Samuel, and a seaman in 1675, butwhere he was born or resided is not known. John and Anthonyare credited to him on the records.

John of Stonington, son of John the seaman of Samuel, mar-ried Eliza Park.

Children :

Eliza Patty.

John, born February 24, 1650 and died in 1654.

William, 1660.

John again, 1666.

Joseph, 1671.

Samuel.Anthony, born November 12, 1679; died September 22, 1691.

William, son of John of Stonington, of John of Boston, of

Samuel, married Susannah Bright.

Children :

William, Henry, Samuel and Daniel.

William, son of William, of John, of John, of Samuel, mar-ried Abigal .

Children :

Deliverance, Joseph, Stephen, Thaddeus, Sarah and Abigal.

S THE BENNETT FAMILY

Captain Thaddeus Bennett was the son of William and Abi-

gal Bennett, having three brothers, Deliverance, Joseph andStephen, and two sisters, Sarah and Abigal. William, the fath-

er, had two brothers, Samuel and Daniel, as he named them as

executors of his will, which is on the probate records at Fairfield,

(Jonn., where it can be found of August 5, 1772.

Probate Record of Fairfield, Conn., A. D. 1772.

Will of William Bennett.

I give to my wife, Abigal, so much, to my son. Deliverance,

to my son, Joseph, to my son, Stephen, to my son, Thaddeus,and daughter, Sarah, to my daughter, Abigal, to my four sons

and my two daughters to share and share alike.

I appoint my brothers, Samuel and Daniel, as executors of

mv Will.

STATE CAPITOL, HARTFORD, CONN.

Historical Records of Stratford, Conn.Page 513, First Volume, 1639-1886

Captain Thaddeus Bennett, a shoemaker and farmer, wasCaptain of the trained band at the commencement of the Revo-

lutionary War and went to New York with his Company in Au-gust, 1776, to defend the city against the British troops. His

Company suffered considerable loss by death and the Caj^tain

died soon after returning home from the campaign. He died onJanuary 21, 1777, aged 52 years.


He left two sons, Joseph Wilson Bennett and Thaddeus Ben-

nett, and two daughters, Grizell and Sarah, both of whom were

pensioners for the service of their husbands in the war. Grizell

married Isaac Odell, who was a sergeant in the army, and Sarah

married Nathan Fairchild.

Ebenezer Hall was a farmer and married for his second wife

the widow of Captain Thaddeus Bennett. She was born in 1728

and died on November 16, 1815, aged 87 years.

Son of Captain Thaddeus and Elizabeth Bennett

Thaddeus 2nd was born in Stratford, Conn., August 23, 1758,

and there, on February 28, 1782, married Martha or Patty Hall,

daughter of David and Lydia Hall, who was born Dec. 3, 1760.

Thaddeus 2ik1 was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, serv-

ing as a private in his father's company of Militia at Stratford,

Conn., in the fall of 1776 served two months in New York City in

Regiment commanded by Col. Jchabod Lewis ; in the autumn of

1777, three weeks at White Plains in the same company under

Capt. Abijah Sterling ; in 1778 served eight months at Black

Rock in the company of G. Ward, under Ensign Samuel Still-

man ; in 1779 served twelve months at Mutton Lane in the com-

pany commanded by Lieut. William Hall. (For copy of the

original record in the Bureau of Pensions at Washington, see

page 10.) When he was discharged and returned home he set-

tled down and raised a large family—six boys and three girls.

Children as follows :

David, born January 20, 1783 ; died August 8, 1868.

George, born July 15, 1785.

Elijah, born June 25, 1787.

Betsy, born March 7, 1789.

Thaddeus, born Ociober 17, 1790.

Lydia, born July 30, 1794.

Eli, born June 30, 1799.

Minerva, born January 13, 1802 ; died December 28, 1823.

Wildman, born July 20, 1804.

10 THE BENNETT FAMILY

3-525

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORA. W.

Wed. File 17278 Bukeau of PensionsRev. War

Washington, D. C, Dec. 17, 1907.

SiH :

Jn reply to your request of 7th inst. received 9th inst., for a

statement of the military history of Thaddeus Bennett, a soldier

of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired infor-

mation as contained in his widow's application on Hie in this

Bureau.

Dates ofEnlistment orAppointment

Summer orFall of 1776

Fall of 1777May 1, 1778Jan. 1, 1779

Lengthof


Son of Thaddeus and Martha Hall Bennett

David Bennett, son of Thad-

deus and Martha Hall Bennett,

and grandson of Captain Thad-

deus Bennett, was born in New-

town, Fairfield County. Conn.,

on January 20, 1783. Here he re-

ceived such education as was pro-

curable at tliat time and learned

the scythemaker's trade. All of

his spare time was made use of

with his books until he became

qualified for the ministry and

followed tlie Baptist faith, also

teaching both district and pri-

vate schools. He preached in

Monroe, Newtown, Ashford aud

at Manchester Green, Conn.

He was married about 1805 or 1806 to Aner Minerva Smith

and by tiiis union they had three boys and two girls: Smith,

Mary Ann, William Henry, Minerva and Lioomis G. Aner Mi-

nerva died about 1831. David married again, about 1832, Clarissa

Farnham of Ashford, Conn. She was a school teacher and was

born November 21, 1793. There were two boys by this union :

Farnliam O. and Maurice B., who became noted physicians at

Manchester Green.

David kept a store for quite a while, but sold out and on May18, 1842, purchased a farm in Burlington, Conn., where he moved

his family and resided there until 1864. Here he became school

visitor and registrar of births, marriages and deaths and was also

a judge of probate for a number of years. In 1864 he sold his

farm to George Case of Burlington, Conn., and moved to Ashford

and Westford, Conn., where he died on August 8, 1868. His wife

died at Westford, Conn, on Jaimary 6, 1869, aged 76 years.


Son of David and Aner Minerva Smith Bennett

Smith Bennett, son of David

and Aner Minerva Smith Ben-

nett, Mâs born in Monroe, Conn,

on November 23, 1807 and died

in Cheboygan, Mich, on July 11,

1875. He received a commonschool education and learned the

blacksmith's and scythemaker's

trades, at which he worked most-

ly while living in Connecticut.

In the spring of 1857 he went

NYest and settled in Stump Town,

now called Hitt, Carroll County,

Illinois. In the fall of the same

year, five of his sons with his

fourth wife followed him, he hav-

ing started in the blacksmith

work there. Eli, his oUlest son, having learned the macliinist's

trade, went into company with him in tlie repair work, remain-

ing for about two years, when he was married and started in bus-

iness for himself.

Smith, with his youngest son, George, drove a pair of horses

through from Illinois to Palmyra, N. Y., where they settled,

about 1863. George, the son, died here in 1864 and it is thought

that Smith joined a New York regiment for army service in 1864.

Smith was married four times. His first wife was a Miss

Vorce, whom he married about 1827. She died, leaving him with

a little daughter, Sarah M. Bennett.

His second wife was Electa M. Snow. She also died, leaving

him a son three years old, Eli S. Bennett.

His third wile was Susan Snow of Ashford, Conn. She died

in New Hartford, Conn, on May 5, 1851, leaving him with five

small boys—Chas. H., Wm. L., Edgar B., Walter S. and Geo. W.

THE BENNBTT FAMILY 13

His fourth wife was Caroline Vorce, who died in Camden,New Jersey, of old age.

Daughter of Smith Bennett and His First Wife

Sarali M. J5ennett was 1 orn in Connecticut on February 4,

1828 and died in Canton. Conn, on April 11, 1859. Her mother

died when she was only an infant. She learned tlie tailor's trade

at Canton and continued at ihat work until she married Josepli

Andrus of Canton.

Children :

Randolpli A. Andrus.Jennie F. Andrus.Frederick Andrus, who died in infancy.

Eli S. BEKiSETT1838

Maky E. Bennett1843

Son of Smith and Electa M. Si Bennett

Eli S. Bennett was born in Monroe, Fairlield County, Conn.

on May 5, 1833. He attended the district schcols in Monroe andupon leaving home, went to work in a niacliine shop in Pine

Meadow in tlie town of New Hartford, Conn. He remained

there until the spring of 1856, whien he went West and spent the

summer in Elkliorn Grove, Ills., returning in the fall to New


Hartford, where he worked in the macliine shop until Septem-ber, 1857. He then, together with four brothers, went to StumpTown, now called Hitl, Carroll County, Ills., to join their father,

wlio had gone tliere in the spring. Eli worked with his father

in the blacksmith and machine shop about two years, when hemarried Miss Mary 1^. Thorpe of Elkhorn Grove, Ills, on Sep-

tember 17, 1859.

She was born in New York State on September 11, 1843, be-

ing tlie daugliter of Caius and Catherine Vandurburgh Thorpe,

who were of Coimeclicut stock. Her grandmother was born in

Newtown, Conn., March 22, 1734. After their marriage they

rented a farm wliere they lived until 1869, when he purchased a

farm in Grant Townsliip, Tama County, Iowa. Here they re-

mained until 1889, when lie bought a home in Reinbeck, GrundyCounty, Iowa, where they have since resided and where on the

17tli of September, 1909, they celebrated their golden wedding.

Tlieir children :

Lucius C, born August 15, 1860; died January 3, 1863.

C!]iarles K., born November 9, 1863.

George (!., born April 9, 1866 ; died April 13, 1897.

Frank R., born August 13, 1868.

Aura E., born June 13, 1874.

Mary E., born Marcli 17, 1876.

Viva A., born May 21, 1879 ; died February 4, 1881.

Wilbur T., born October 26, 1884 ; died October 3, 1886.

Son of Eli S. and Mary Thorpe Bennett

Charles E. Bennett was born November 9, 1863, in Carroll

County, Illinois and with his parents settled in Grant Township,

Tama County, Iowa, in 1869. He attended private preparatory

schools in Vinton and Traer, Iowa. He graduated from LeanderClark College, Toledo, Iowa, in 1888, receiving the degree of Bach-

elor of Science. He taught school six years and was engaged in

newspaper work for five years. In 1899 he entered the ministry

of the Methodist Episcopal Church and completed the five years

course of study prescribed by the Church in 1904. He is a mem-ber of the Des Moines Conference of Iowa.

On August 27, 1891, he married Elma Freet, who was born in

Tama County, Iowa, on November 13, 1865. She is a daughter of

Hiram and Percilia Myers Freet. Her father was born in Ohio

and her mother in Iowa.

THK BENNETT FAMILY

Sylvia E. Bennett 1892

Chas. E. Bennett 1863 Elma Fkeet 1865

Clarence E. Bennett 1900

Children :

Sylvia E., born September 4, 1892, at Reinbeck, Iowa. Sbe

is now a senior in tlie High School al Colo, Iowa, preparing for

college.

Clarence E., born September 18, 1900, at Oakwood, Ills.


George C. Bennett was born in Carroll County, Ills, on April

9, 1866. In the spring of 1869 he went West with his parents,

who settled in Grant Township, Tama County, Iowa, wliere he

attended the public schools and afterwards the High School in

Reinbeck, Iowa. He made farming his business. He was mar-

ried on February 25, 1896, to Lydia A. Freet. who was born on

February 26, 1864 and was the daughter of Hiram and Priscilla

Myers Freet. Early in the spring of 1897 he was taken sick, and

died on April 13, 1897. His widow made her home with his par-

ents until her marriage to David P. Eddy of Reinbeck, Iowa, on

August 20, 1902.

16 THE BKKNK"

George C. Bennett 1866-1897


Frank R. Bennett was born in Fairfax Township, (Jarroll

County, Ills, on August 13, 1868. In the spring of 1869 his par-

ents moved to Grant Township, Tama Comity, Iowa. Here he

attended the pubUe schools and later the High School at Glad-

brook, Iowa. For a number of years he managed a large thresh-

ing outlit and in 1891 settled in Reinbeck, Iowa, making paper

hanging, painting and carpenter work his occupation.

On November 27, 1895, he married Minnie P. Morris, a school

teacher, who was born in Carroll County, Ills, on February 10,

1875. She was the daughter of Edward and Kate Armstrong

Morris. To this union a daughter, Dorothy M., was born on Oc-

tober 9, 1897. The wife and mother died on March 23, 1899.

On January 17, 1905, he married for his second wife, Lois F.

Osborn, who was born in Lyndon Township, Whiteside County,

Ills, on April 13, 1868, She is the daughter of Harvey and Eliza-

beth Brewer Osborn.


Fkank R, Bennett 1868

Lois E. Osborn

DoHOT II Y Bennett ISOl


Minnie Morris Ekn.nett 1875-1899


Aura E. Bennett was born June 13, 1874, in Grant Township,Tama CJounty, Iowa, wliere he attended the public schools andlater the High school at Reinbeck, Iowa. Afterwards he took upmechanical engineering, which he followed until the breakingout of the Spanish-American War, when he enlisted in C!omi3any

L, 49th Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, on JNIay 6, 1898, andserved in the army of occupation in Cuba under General Fitz-

Hugh Lee. He was discharged at Savannah, Ga. on May 13,

1899 and returning home, was engaged in structural iron work.

On February 21, 1903, he married Emma R. Wagner, daughter of

John and Amelia Dickerman Wagner, who was born in GrandMeadow, Mower County, Minn, on April 30, 1883.

Children :

Ralph W., born September 23, 1906.

Ruth G., born in Reinbeck, Iowa, March 14, 1908.

Daughter of Eli S. and Mary Thorpe Bennett

Mary E. Bennett was born in Grant TownsJiip, Tama Coun-ty, Iowa, on March 17, 1876. She attended tlie public schoolsand later tlie High School at Reinbeck, Iowa, where she gradua-ted with honors in 1893. On November 27, 1895, she marriedDon C. Coffin, son of Charles H. and Iilstlier Sharp Cofltin, whowas born in Butlerville, Tama County, Iowa, on July 28, 1872.


E.MMA R. Wagnkk 1S83

Aura E. Bennett 1874

Ralph W. 1906 Ruth 1908

Don C. Coffin 1876

Mary E. Bennett 1876

20 THK HKNNKTT FAMIIA"

Chas. II. J^K.NXKTT LSoiMSSo Martha Bennett 1846

Son of Smith and Susan Snow Bennett

Charles H. Eennett, oldest son of Smith and Susan SnowKeniiett, was born in Monroe, Fairfield County, Conn., June 1,

1839. His boyhood days were spent in Connecticut, but in 1857,

with his fatlier and brothers, lie removed to I'^llchorn Grove, Ills.

and worked on a farm and clerked in a store until September 13,

18G1, when he enlisted in Company H, 7th Illinois Cavalry andserved his country until July 20, 1862. He was then discharged

on account of iiliysical disability which developed into a chronic

heart trouble from which he never recovered.

On September 13, 1864, he married Martha Jiurnett, daugh-ter of Joshua and Christiana Barr lûrnett of Elkhorn Grove,

Ills., who was born March 14, 1846. They settled on a farm in

Wysox, wliere they continued to live until his death.

Their children were Alice May, who was born September 23,

1865 and George Wilbur, born August 2, 1869.

In October, 1880, he was stricken with paralysis, from whicli

he never fully recovered, and on September 12, 1885, a tliird

shock ended his life. He was buried in the Union Cemetery at

Wysox, the funeral being in charge of Sliiloh Post, G. A. R. of

Lanark, Ills, and lianark Lodge, I. O. O. F., of which organiza-

tions he was a member.


Maktiia Conant 1846

Makion Conant 1852

Martha Burnett Bennett married for lier second husband,on February 18, 1904, Marion A. Conant. He is the son of Dr.

VVilliani L. Conant and was born on April 8, 1862, in St. Joseph

County, Michigan. With his parents he went to Tama County,

Iowa, where they settled on a farm in 1855. Here he attended

school and worked on the farm until he became of age, when hemarried and bought one hundred and sixtj' acres of his father's

farm, which lie worked for a number of years. He finally rent-

ed his farm and built a nice home in Garwin, Iowa, three miles

away. His first wife died in 1901. His father was born in Ply-

mouth, Vt. and served in the Civil War.

Daughter of Charles H. and Martha Burnett Bennett

Alice M. Bennett was born in P^^lkhorn Township, Carroll

County, Ills., on September 23, 1865. She attended the public

schools, later graduating froni the Lanark High School. She af-

terwards became a school teacher. On March 8, 1886, she mar-ried Thomas N. Fleming, also a teacher in Carroll County, andthey continued teaching for several years, finally settling in Mil-

ledgeville, Ills., where they now reside.


TH( N. Fleming 1848

AUSTARuth

Alice Fleming 1865

1889

1897

Two (laufj,h1ei>; were born to them, Ausla M. on May 21, 1889

and Martlia RuUi on September 14, 1897.

Ausla Rradualed from the Milledgeville scliools with the

class of 1907, clerked for awhile in a store and at present is em-

ployed in the post office. Ruth is still attending sciiool.

Son of Charles H. and Martlia Burnett Bennett

George W. liennett was born August 2, 1869, in J^îkhorn

Grove Township, Carroll County, Ills. Here he attended the

public schools and later the Higli School at liaiiark. Ills., then a

business course at Davenport, Iowa. He then accepted a posi-

tion as express messenger on the C. B. & Q. R. R., but being in

a wreck on the railway he changed his mind and went to Cali-

fornia, where he is now employed as an assayer and manager of

an agency for the Risdon Iron Works Company, manufacturers

of gold dredging machinery.


William L. Bennett was born March 20, 1841, in Monroe,

Conn. In 1857, with four of his five brothers, he left (Jonnecticut

and settled in Elkhorn Grove Township, Carroll County, Ills.,


William L. Bennett 1841 Sakah E. Bennett 1849

where he woilêd as a farm hand until October 6, 1864, wlien he

enlisted in ("ompany I, 92nti Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infan-

try. He served with this company until the following June,

when it was consolidated with Company G, 65th Regiment, Illi-

nois Veteran Volunteers. He received his discharge July 13,

1865, after having been with General Hherman's army on the

march to the sea. On March 1, 1875, he married (Sarah E.Tay-lor, who was born February 16, 1849. Her father served during

the Civil War in Company G, 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry. In1881 they moved to Mt. Carroll, Ills. Soon after William's re-

turn from the army, his eyesight commenced to fail him, the

trouble increasing until 1904, when he became totally blind.

Children:

Carrie M.. born May 21, 1877.

Charles O., born December 23, 1878.

William W., born Maich 14, 1884.

Avadna A., born April 22, 1886.

Daughter of William L. and Sarah Taylor Bennett

Carrie M. Bennett was born May 21, 1877, in Wysox Town-ship, Carroll County, Ills. She attended the public schools in

Mt. Carroll, Ills., graduating with honors from the High School

24 THE BENNKTT FAMILY

Charles O. Eexnett 1878 Maky E. Bennett 1880

in 1896. After teacliing school one term, slie married GeorgeWacker, a well lo do farmer, the son of Pliiiip and Anna KafT-

nian Wacker of Woodland Township, Carroll County, Ills., onJune 29, 1902. They have one daughter, Ethel Estella, who wasborn April 22, 1908."

Son of William L. and Sarah Taylor Bennett

Cliarles O. Bennett was born December 23, 1878, in WysoxTownship, Carroll County, Ills. He attended the public andHigh schools in Mt. Carroll, Ills, and later engaged in newspaperwork, being at one time proprietor of a pai)er in Chadwick, Ills.

He is now in the employ of his father-in-law, w'ho is with the

Wells-Fargo Express Company and owner of a large omnibusline in Mt. Carroll. On November 27, 1902, he married Mary Es-

tella Stiteley, daughter of Winfield Scott and Ruhamah Mitchell

Stiteley, who was born April 27, 1880, in Mt. Carroll, Ills.

Daughter of William L. and Sarah Taylor Bennett

Avadna A. Bennett was born April 22, 1886, in yit. Carroll,

Ills. She attended the public schools and spent two years in the

High School, after which she took up newspaper work, in whichshe is now engaged.


Gkokge W. Bennett 1869

A\Ai>NA A. 1>kxm<:tt 1S86

26 THE BEKKETT FAMILY

Edgak B. Bexxett 1842

Son of William L. and Sarah Taylor Bennett

William W. Bennett was born March 14, 1884, in Mt. Carroll,

Ills. He attended the public schools and later spent two years in

the High School, after which he went to work as clerli in a store.

He married Bertha Atherton, daughter of Lucius and HelenBalcom Atherton, who was born April 3, 1882, in York Town-ship, Carroll Township, Ills.


Edgar B. Bennett was born November 2, 1842, in Monroe,

Conn. He has always lived in Connecticut except during the

Civil War. He enlisted under the first call for volunteers of

April 15, 1861, but was debarred from going by reason of the fact

that no more three months troops were wanted. Under the call

of May 3, 1861, he enlisted from Burlington, Conn, in CompanyK, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery and on November 11, 1863,

re-enlisted as a veteran. He remained with his company until

March 25, 1865, when he was taken prisoner in front of Peters-

burg and confined in Libby Prison until March 30, when he wasparoled. After a thirty days furlough he returned to his compa-


Mary E. Bennett 1849

ny and was mustered out of service at Fort Lyons, Va. on Sep-

tember 25, the war being over, receiving his discharge at Hart-

ford, Conn, on October 1. On April 9, 1865, while on parole, he

married Mary E. Marsh, daughter of Lewis and Evaline Stone

Marsh, who was born in Nortlifield, Conn., July 7, 1849. Hergreat grandfather, Othniel Gillett, served in the Revolutionary

War from Connecticut. For details as to her parentage, see the

Marsh Genealogy of 1895, page 61.

Children :

Minerva S., born in Burlington, Conn., January 9, 1867.

lola E., born in Burlington, Conn., October 28, 1870.

Daughter of Edgar B. and Mary Marsh Bennett

Minerva S. Bennett was born in Burlington, Conn., January9, 1867. On July 16, 1888, she married Arvid Kalilstrom, whowas born July 21, 1869. He died July 5, 1896.

Children :

Ethel Alma, born in Burlington, Conn., May 31, 1890. Sheexpects to graduate from the Derby, Vt., Academy in June, 1910.

Lewis Samuel, born in Burlington, Conn., February 9, 1893.

THE BENNETT FAMILY

James J. Nichols 1855 Minerva S. Nichols 1867

Ethel, Lewis J, and Edgar C. Kahlstrom. Willard J., Helen M., Rose M.,

Myron E. and Vera B, Nichols

Edgar C. A., born in Burlington, Conn., June 1, 1896. He is

now attending the American Scliool for the Deaf at Hartford,

Conn., his affliction being the result of an attack of cerebrospinal

meningitis when he was a year and nine months old.

Minerva Bennett Kahlstrom married for her second husband,James J. Nichols, who was born in Brownington, Vermont, onMarch 9, 1855. They were married at Cheshire, Conn., October

27, 1897.

Children :

Willard James, born in Burlington, Conn., Dec. 19, 1898.

Helen May, born in Burlington, Conn., October 17, 1901.

Rose Mary, born in Brownington, Vt., September 22, 1904.

Myron Karl, born in Brownington, Vt., December 13, 1906.

Vera Bessie, born in Brownington, Vt., September 11, 1908.

Daughter of Edgar B and Mary Marsh Bennett

lola E. Bennett was born in Burlington, Conn., October 28,

1870. On September 5, 1907, she married James F. Murphey,sonof John and Mary Murphey, who was born in Cromwell, Conn.,

April 12, 1874.


loLA E. Bennett 1870 James F. Mukphey 1874


Walter S. Bennett was born in Monroe, Conn., June 16, 1844.

In 1857, with four of his brothers, he M-ent to Elkhorn Grove,

Ills, and in 1859 went to Kalamazoo, Mich., and followed farm-

ing until September 1, lg62, when he enlisted in Company L, 5th

Michigan Cavalry. He served under General Sheridan in the

Shenandoah valley and was at Appomattox when General Lee

surrendered. He w as discharged June 22, 1865, and went back to

Kalamazoo. After a few years he went to Wayland, Mich., and

later returned to Kalamazoo, where on May 1, 1872, he married

Evelyn A. Blodgett, only daughter of Jared and Jane Chaffee

Blodgett, who was born in Pavilion, Kalamazoo County, Mich.,

October 16, 1848. Her grandfather served in the War of 1812 and

her great grandfather in the Revolutionary War from Vermont.

They lived near Kalamazoo for about ten years, when he bought

a farm near Wayland, Mich., where they still reside.

Children :

Earl J., born October 20, 1872.

Hallie J., born August 6, 1874 ; died December 30, 1907.

Arthur C, born September 13, 1877.

Sarah B., born October 13, 1884.

Evelyn M., born June 15, 1886.

Clell R., born May 18, 1891.

THE BENNETT FAMILY

EvEFA'N A. Bennett 1848 Waetek S. Eennett 1844

Son of Walter S. and Evelyn Blodgett Bennett

Karl J. lieniiell was b;)ni October 20, 1872, in ComstockTownship, Kalaniaz-oo County, Mich., later moving with his jia-

rents to Hopkins Township, Allegan County. On December 21,

1893, he married Myrtle Humaclier,(laugiiterofGeorgeand Liana

Pitmoyer Hamacher.

Children :

Bertha L., born June 8, 1895.

Henry A., born December 8, 1897.

Fred \V., born June 7, 19UU.

Gretchen A., born June 24, 1904.

Daughter of Walter S. and Evelyn Blodgett Bennett

Hallie J. Bennett was born August 6, 1874, in Portage Town-ship, Kalamazoo County, Mich., afterwards moving with her pa-

rents to Hopkins Township, Allegan County. On December 29,

1892, slie married Allie C. Fryne. They had one child— HarryA., who was born February 12, 1895, in Hopkins, Mich. She died

on December 30, 1907.

THK BKXXK'

Arthur C. Bknnett 1877 Vkkna Bknnett 1879

Grant 1896 Evelyn 1902


Arthur C. Bennett was born September 13, 1877, in Portage

Township, Kalamazoo County, Mich. On January 18, 1896, he

married Verna Mudgett, daughter of Herman and May Burlin-

game Mudgett.

Children;

Grant M., born in Hopkins, July 16, 1896.

Evelyn M., born in Otsego, July 18, 1902.


Sarah B. Bennett was born October 13, 1884, in HopkinsTownship, Allegan County, Mich. On March 14, 1896, she mar-ried Orville Truax, who was born in 1884. He died August 6,

1908. They had one child, J. Orville, who w as born November15, 1908, in Hopkins, Mich.


Evelyn M. Bennett was born June 15, 1886, in Hopkins Town-ship, Allegan County, Mich. She graduated from the HighSchool in Way land, Mich. On December 23, 1908, she marriedWalter Hazen of Hopkins, Mich., who was born in 1885. Theyhave one child, Holden Walter, who was born April 21, 1910.


Ohville Truax 1884-1908 Sarah Bennett 1885

J. OuviLLE Tkuax 1908

Walter H. Hazkn 1885

Evelyn M. Bennett 1886

THE HKNMOTT KAMI [A* 33

Clell R. Bennett 1S91

Geo. W. Bennett 1846-1864

34 THE BEKNKTT FAMILY

William Henky Bennett 1824-190U

Emily Healey Bennett 1829-1908


Clell R. Bennett, youngest child of Walter S. and Evelyn

Blodgett Bennett, was born May 18, 1891, in Hopkins Township,

Allegan County, Mich.


George W. Bennett was born August 18, 1846, in Connecti-

cut. In 1857, he went to Elkhorn Grove, Ills., with his brothers

and lived there until I860, when he went with his father to Pal-

myra, N. Y., where he died in 1864.

Son of David and Aner M. Smith Bennett

William Henry Bennett was born July 5, 1824. On April 2,

1843, he married Emily Melissa Healey, who was born May 27,

1829. They settled in Danbury Conn., where they spent the rest

of their life. His death occurred February 4, 1900 and her's De-

cember 1, 1908.

Children :

Frederick William, born Jan. 4, 1849 ; died April 17, 1884.

Frank Henry, born September 25, I860.


Son of William H. and Emily Healey Bennett

Frederick William Bennett w as born January 4, 1849, in Dan-

bury, Conn. He graduated with the degree of M. D. from the

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in NewYork City, and in 1874 commenced the practice of medicine in

Brewster, N. Y. He removed from there to Newark, N. J. and

later to Bloomfield, N. J., where he died on April IT, 1884. He

married Josephine Harvey, who is also deceased.

Son of William H. and Emily Healey Bennett

Frank Henry Bennett was born September 25, 1863, in Dan-

bury, Conn. He graduated from the High School and Colgate

Academy and received the degrees of A. B. and A. M. from Col-

gate University and the degree of A. B. from Harvard. Hetaught in several preparatory and High schools, being for seven

years principal of the Danbury High School. He is now principal

of the Brewster, N. Y., High School. On June 27, 1905, he mar-

ried Helen Vaille Ives, daughter of Harlan P. and IClvira E. Ives.

Elizabeth Emily, born May 5, 1906. XJLoô4:0Frederick Harlan, born August 30, 1907.

Daughter of David and Aner M. Smith Bennett

Minerva Bennett was born in 1825. She was a scholar of note

and commenced teaching at the age of seventeen, filling positions

in New Britain, Canton and Farmington continuously until her

marriage to John R. Andrus, which occurred in Burlington,

Conn., November 21, 1858. They had one child, Minnie, whodied at the age of one year. Minerva died June 10, 1868, in Coi-

linsville. Conn.

Son of David and Aner M. Smith Bennett

Loomis G. Bennett was born in Connecticut in 1831. Hisyounger days were spent in New York State, with his uncles,

Eli, Thaddeus and Wildman. He died in VVestford, Conn, in

1878, aged 47 years, eleven months and twenty-eight days.


i.Mis Eknnktt 1881-1878

Minerva Bennett 1825-1868

Son of David and Clarissa Farnham Bennett

Farnham Orris Bennett, M. D., was born December 21, 1833

in Monroe, Conn. He received his early education in the district

schools at Burlington, Conn., wliere he removed with his parents

in 1842. He soon became a teacher and, desiring to better his ed-

ucation, worked on tlie farm summers and taught school winters.

He gratluated with the degree of M. D. from the Berkshire Medi-

cal College on November 22, 1859 and took a two years' course in

surgery in New York City. Immediately after graduation he be-

gan the practice of medicine at Westford, Conn, and soon becameone of the leading physicians of Windham County. He was twice

elected to the Legislature by his fellow towns-people and held

several offices of trust in the State, County and town. About1880 his practice liad grown to such an extent at Willimantic

that he removed there to save the long drives over tire country

roads and also to have better educational facilities for his child-

ren. He died at Danielson, Conn., March 26, 1899.

On September 15, 1868, he married Romelia Parsons, daugh-ter of William L. and Margaret Parsons of Rutland, Vt., whowas born in Springfield, Mass., February 12, 1851, and died at

Fort Collins, Colorado, December 31, 1907.


Farnham O. Bknxktt1833-1899

RoMEl-JA KeXNKTT1851-1907

Cliildren :

William Howard, born Hepleniber 7, 1869.

Frederick Ward, born July 16, 1871.

Anne Louise, born July 16, 1877.

Son of Farnham O. and Rcmelia Parsons Bennett

William H. lênnett was born fêptember 7, 1869. in West-

ford, Conn. Later he removed with his parents to Willimantic,

where he attended tlie public scliools and graduated from the

High School. On June 19, 1894, lie married Margaret Curran,

daughter of Daniel F. and Katherine H. Grinnell Curran, of

Rockville, Conn.Children ;

Clarissa Farnham, born in Hartford, Coim., Nov. 14, 1895.

William Howard, born in Danielson, Conn., Feb. 19, 1901.

Son of Farnham O. and Romelia Parsons Bennett

Frederick Ward Bennett was born July 16, 1871, in Rutland,

Vermont. He attended the public schools and spent two years

dS THE BENNETT FAMILY

in the High School at Willimantic, Conn, later taking a twoyears' course at the Fort Collins, Colorado, College, 1888-9. After

this he returned East and engaged in P'lectrical and MechanicalEngineering. On January 20, 1895, at Attleboro, Mass., he mar-ried Barbara Louise Dotzert, daughter of John and Mary Leon-ard Dotzert, who was born at Broadbrook, Conn., June 11, 1871.

Children

:

Frederick Orris, born in Providence, R. I., May 2, 1896.

Byron Leonard, born May 3, 1898 ; died October 17, 1898.

Myra Louise, born April 28, 1902.

Daughter of Farnham O. and Romelia Parsons Bennett

Annie Louise Bennett was born July 11, 1877, at Westford,

Conn. She graduated from the Willimantic High School, June19, 1896, and from the Hartford Business College in July, 1897.

From September, 1897, to June, 1902, she taught in the public

schools of Fort Collins, Colorado. On June 10, 1902, she married

Bertram Alden Gage of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Son of David and Clarissa Farnham Bennett

Maurice Boardman Bennett, M. D., was born March 4, 1837,

at Bolton, Conn. He lived in Manchester, Conn, until May 18,

1842, when he removed with his parents to Burlington, Conn.,

where his early days were passed on the farm. Acquiring his ed-

ucation in the district schools, he soon became noted as one of the

foremost teachers in his section, by his ability to discipline and

method of interesting his pupils in their work. He worked on

the farm summers and taught school winters, until he secured

the necessary funds for a professional education. He attended

the Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield, Conn, and studied

medicine with his brother, Dr. Farnham O. Bennett, who was at

that time located at Westford Conn. Later on he graduated with

the degree of M. D. from the Berkshire Medical (.'ollege, Pitts-

field, Mass., and began practicing medicine in November, 1863,

at Ashford, Conn. Afterwards he located in Coventry, Conn,

and became one of the leading physicians in that .section of the

State. He held with credit to himself, many offices of trust in

the community. About 1883, his health having become impaired

by his many long rides over the country roads, he removed to

THE BENKKTT FAMILY

Mai'kjce B. Bennett 18B7-1894

Mary E. Bennett 1851-1909

Bristol, Conn., where he practiced his profession nearly to the

time of his death, which occurred November 13, 1894.

On December 31, 1867, he married Mary Elizabeth French,

only daughter of Daniel A. and Dorcas Bissell French. 8he wasborn March 9, 1851, in EUenville, Ulster County, N. Y. Whenquite young she removed with her parents to Coventry, Conn.,

where she attended the public schools, finishing her education at

the Connecticut Literary Institute in 8uffield, Conn. After her

husband's death in 1894, she continued to live with her son. Bur-

ton L. Bennett, until about 1900, when she removed to Middle-

town, Conn., making her home with her daughter, Mary E.

Bennett, until the time of her death, which occurred on Novem-ber 8, 1909.

Children :

Burton Lin wood, born December 6, 1870.

Mary Elizabeth, born September 27, 1877.

Son of Maurice B. and Mary French Bennett

Burton Lin wood Bennett was born December 6, 1870, in Cov-entry, Conn. He attended the public schools there until about1884, when he removed with his parents to Bristol, Conn., wherehe completed his public school studies and graduated from the


Burton L. Bknnktt 1870

High School with tlie class of 1888. Afler graduating he workedas a drug clerk for three years and then entered the New YorkCollege of Pharmacy wliere he graduated in 1895 with the degree

of Graduate of Pharmacy and honorable mention. Returning to

Bristol, he went into tiie drug business for himself, locating on

North Main street in July, 1896. On November 18, 1896, he mar-ried Isabelle May Mather, daughter of James Talcotl Mather—di-

rect descendant of Cotton Mather— and Elizabeth Hall Matherof Essex, Conn.

Children :

Marjorie Mather, born July 24, 190-'>.

Doris May, l)orn March 8, 1906.

Daughter of Maurice B. and Mary French Bennett

Mary Elizabeth Bennett was born September 27, 1877, in Cov-

entry, Conn. In 1884 she removed with her parents to Bristol,

Conn., where she graduated from the High School in April, 1896.

In September of the same year, she entered the art departmentof Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, N. Y., where she studied artfortwo

years. In the fall of 1898 she secured the position of Supervisor

of Drawing in the public schools of Middletown, Conn., whichposition she still holds, also holding the same position in the

Portland and Gildersleeve schools.

APPENDIX

On the following pages are extracts from the records of the

Connecticut Historical Society and from those of the States of

Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, giv-

ing lists of members of the Bennett family who have taken part

in the various wars that have occurred since the settlement of

New England. These lists are necessarily incomplete, but they

will furnish material for any who may desire to go deeper into

the genealogy of the family than we have gone in this volume.

Names of Connecticut Bennetts Who Served in the French

Indian War, 1755-1762

tnd

Abraham

THE BENNETT FAMILY

Connecticut Bennetts Who Served in the Revolutionary War

Abel


Connecticut Bennetts Who Served in the War of 1812

Elijah Abel (3) Abijah

Andrew Charles G. Daniel

Eben Ebenezer Eleazer

Eli Elisha Erastus

Grafton Isaac Ira

James James, Jr. James W.

John (2) Jonathan Joseph T.

Lewis Munson Oliver

Origan Ozias M. Philo

Primous Sherrybiah Stephen

Thaddeus \V. William Wilson

Arnold, Joshua and Stephen served in the militia.

Ashael M., Henry, Hosmer, William and William H. served

in the Regular Army during the Mexican War.

^


Connecticut Bennetts Who Served in

THE BEKNETT FAMILY 45

New York Bennetts


Rhode Island Bennetts Who Served in the Revolutionary War

Abel

THK BENNETT FAMILY 47

Massachusetts Bennetts Who Served in the Revolutionary War

There are on the Revolutionary War records of the tSlate of

Massachusetts, nearly three hundred of the names Bennett, Ben-

net, Bennit, who were soldiers and sailors from that State during

that period. Following are a few of them from the records in the

office of the Adjutant General

:

Lieut. Bennett Gideon Deliverance

Jeremiah James Robert

John Aaron Nehemiah

James Rola William

The old records also show that Richard; son of Peter Bennett,

received pay from the town of Dedham, Mass., for his services in

King Philip's War in 1676.


Some Notable Members of the Bennett Family

Reference lo the encyclopedias shows that several members

of the Bennett family have become noted in one way or another.

It is not known what degree of relationship they have borne to

our branch of the family, but it is thought that brief mention of

some of them might prove of interest to the possessors of this

volume.

Henry Bennett, Earl of Arlington, a distinguished statesman

in the reign of Charles II., was born of an ancient family in Mid-

dlesex, England, in 1618. In the beginning of the civil war he

was appointed under-secretary to Lord Digby, secretary of state.

He afterwards entered himself as a volunteer for the royal cause,

and did the king good service, especially at Andover in Hamp-shire, where he was severely wounded. He was made secretary

to the Duke of York, received the honor of knighthood from

Charles II. at Bruges in 1658, and was sent as envoy to the court

of Spain. Upon the return of the king to England he was called

home, made keeper.of the privy purse, and principal secretary of

state. In 1670 he was of the council distinguished by the title of

the Cabal, and one of those who advised the shutting up of the

exchequer. In 1672 he was made Earl of Arlington and Viscount

Thelford, and soon after knight of the garter. He died in 1685.

Sir William Sterndale Bennett was born in 1816 at Shetlield,

England, where his father was organist. In 1826 he entered the

Royal Academy of Music and remained a pupil of that institu-

tion for ten years. He was made musical professor at Cambridge

and in 1868 principal of the Royal Academy of Music. In 1871,

he received the honor of Knighthood. He tiled in 1875 and wasburied in Westminsier Abbey. For the last twenty years of his

life he was considered the greatest musician in England.

John Hui^hes Bennett, for twenty-six years professor of the

institutes of medicine in Edinburgh University, was born in Lon-

don in 1812. He became an able teacher and his original investi-

gations gained for him a high place in the history of medicine.

He died in 1875.


James Gordon Bennett, founder of the New York Herald,

was born about 1800 at Newmills in Banflshire, Scotland. Des-

tined for the priesthood in the Roman Calholie Church, he was

educated in a seminary at Aberdeen, but it became evident that

he was naturally unlit for the priestly calling and his aversion

ripened into a determination to escape from it. The reading of

Franklin's Autobiograiihy led him to resolve on emigration to

America and in the spring of 1819 he went to Halifax. After a

short time he went to Boston and in 1822 located in New York

City, where he was engaged in journalism for several years. OnMay 6, 1835, he issued the first number of tiie New York Herald,

which has become one of the best known and most influential

newspapers in the world. The successful mission of Stanley to

Central Africa in search of Dr. Livingstone, of whom nothing

had long been heard, was undertaken by Bennett's desire and at

his expense, and he thus showed in the last year of his life the

inextinguishable spirit of enterprise which had animated him

throughout his whole career. He died in 1872.

James Gordon Bennett once wrote: "The Bennetts were a

little band of Freebooters, A. D. 896, in Saxony. I have no doubt

they robbed and plundered a good deal. They emigrated to

France and settled on the river Loire, where they lived several

hundred years. The family was Roman Catholic and later, of

the Church of England." That Mr. Bennett's statement is true,

may readily be believed, for one thousand years ago Europe was

given over to pillage, and the strong showed the weak no consid-

eration. Perhaps the sturdy Bennett tribe owed its continued

existence to the fact of its extreme tenacity of purpose and the in-

ability of others to crush it out. At that time liondon was occu-

pied by the Danes, Englishmen were herdsmen and cattle-steal-

ing very much the fashion. This Saxon tribe was probably noworse than its neighbors. Be this as it may, the family in Eng-land, during the reign of Charles II. had assumed considerable

importance, a Sir Henry Bennett being private secretary to theKing.—S. B. Bennett.


8. a. Bennett of Pittston, Pa., a few years ago published a

genealogy of his branch of the family, in which he traces his

ancestry back to Edward Bennett of Weymouth, Mass. Inalet-

ter to the compiler of this book he says : "I am in receipt of your

latest letter and .... it substantiates my theory that the

'Providence Plantation' contained the Bennett Hive, and from

this they multiplied and swarmed to New York, Pennsylvania,

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and of course for purposes to

get a living Rhode Island and Connecticut are practically one.

The constant repetition of family names is a strong point, espec-

ially when such an unusual one as Thaddeus. Son of my Great

Grandfather Ephraim was undoubtedly cousin to some of those

you mention, and was born along 1750 to 1765, but this is theory

mainly .... Among the pictures sent are some who have

the iiennett cast of countenance, notably David, 1783, Eli S.,

1833 and \V. H. B., 1841. I have a picture of my father at about

70 years ; the resemblance to David is quite striking."

Other Bennetts mentioned in the encyclojêdias are : Orlan-

do Bennett, American wrecker, 1818-1880; Richard Bennett, Co-

lonial Governor of Virginia from 1652 to 1656; Charles Wesley

Bennett, an American educator, journalist and author, 1828-1891

;

Emerson Bennett, an American author, born 1822; Milo LymanBennett, an American jurist and author, 1790-1868; Thomas W.Bennett, an American soldier and statesman, born 1831 ; William

Zebina Bennett, an American chemist and educator, born 1856

;

William Bennett, Bishop of Cloyne, 1745-1820. iS. B. Bennett of

Pittston, Pa. states that more than one hundred clergymen of

the Cluirch of England are of the name of Bennett.

Charles F. Bushnell, Printer, Berlin, Conn.

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The Bennett family : 1628-1910

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